1. Mr. Lee Sangryol, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Tokyo and met with Mr. Takehiro Funakoshi, Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on April 1. It was Mr. Lee’s first in-person consultation with his Japanese counterpart since he took office in early March this year.

2. The meeting was held as part of the ongoing bilateral communication between the two countries. During the meeting, the two Directors-General exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

ㅇ Both sides reaffirmed that cooperation among Korea, the United States and Japan, and cooperation between Korea and Japan is important for the progress of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, and peace and stability in the region.

ㅇ With regards to the issue of “comfort women” victims, Director-General Lee reiterated the Korean government’s position announced on January 23, 2021 in response to the statement by the Japanese government regarding the ruling on the civil action filed by “comfort women” victims.

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ㅇ He also explained the Korean government’s position on the Supreme Court’s ruling on victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial rule and reiterated that Japan should show a more sincere attitude to resolve the issue.

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ㅇ In return, Director-General Funakoshi explained the Japanese government’s position.

3. The two sides acknowledged the importance of continuing consultations through diplomatic channels in order to resolve pending issues and agreed to continue close communication with each other.